Subject: Science

Grade Level: Grade 4

Objective: Identify changes in materials whether useful or harmful to

one's environment.

Learning across the curriculum:

1. English - Writing a persuasive essay on the importance of protecting the

environment from harmful materials.

2. Mathematics - Collecting and analyzing data on the changes in materials in the

environment.

3. Social Studies - Exploring the historical context of environmental conservation

efforts.

Engage:

1. Show a short video clip depicting the impact of harmful materials on the
environment.

2. Conduct a class discussion on the students' personal experiences with materials

that have caused harm to the environment.

3. Present real-life scenarios and ask the students to think critically about the
changes in materials and their effects on the environment.

Explore:

Activity 1: Sorting Materials

Materials: Various objects made of different materials, sorting mats, labels

(useful, harmful)
Instructions:

1. Provide each student with a set of objects made of different materials.

2. In small groups, students will sort the objects into two categories: useful and
harmful.

3. Each group will present their sorting results to the class.

Rubric:

- Correctly sorting the objects (10 points)

- Providing justifications for the categorization (10 points)

Assessment questions:

1. Give an example of a useful material and explain why it is beneficial to the

environment.

2. Identify a harmful material and describe its negative impact on the environment.

Activity 2: Investigating Material Changes

Materials: Various materials (e.g., paper, plastic, metal), magnifying glasses,

water, heat source, vinegar

Instructions:

1. Students will choose two materials and observe their physical properties using
magnifying glasses.

2. They will then explore how these materials change when exposed to water, heat,
or vinegar.

3. Students will record their observations and discuss the changes in materials.

Rubric:

- Accurate recording of observations (10 points)

- Active participation in the discussion (10 points)

Assessment questions:

1. What happened to the paper when it was exposed to water? Why?

2. Describe the changes in the metal when it was heated. Why did this change
occur?

Activity 3: Material Scavenger Hunt

Materials: Scavenger hunt list, baskets or bags

Instructions:

1. Provide a list of materials for the scavenger hunt, including both useful and
harmful ones.

2. Divide the class into small groups and give each group a basket or bag.

3. Students will search for the materials on the list within the school premises.

4. After the scavenger hunt, students will discuss and classify the materials they
found.

Rubric:

- Completion of the scavenger hunt (10 points)

- Accurate classification of materials (10 points)

Assessment questions:

1. Name one useful material that your group found during the scavenger hunt and
explain its significance.

2. Identify a harmful material that your group found and describe its potential impact
on the environment.

Activity 4: Investigating the Effects of Chemical Changes

Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, test tubes, droppers, pH paper

Instructions:

1. In pairs, students will set up a simple experiment to observe the chemical changes
that occur when baking soda and vinegar are mixed.

2. Students will measure equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar and mix them in
a test tube.

3. They will observe and record any changes in color, temperature, or gas
production.

4. Students will test the pH of the resulting solution using pH paper.

Rubric:

- Accurate measurement and mixing of baking soda and vinegar (5 points)

- Detailed observation and recording of changes (5 points)

- Correct interpretation of pH test results (5 points)

Assessment questions:

1. What change in color did you observe during the experiment? Explain the
significance of this change.

2. How did the pH of the solution change after mixing baking soda and vinegar?
What does this indicate about the chemical reaction that occurred?

Activity 5: Investigating the Effects of Heat on Materials

Materials: Different types of materials (e.g., plastic, wood, metal), heat source
(e.g., candle, hot plate), thermometer

Instructions:

1. Students will select three different materials and measure their initial temperature
using a thermometer.

2. They will then expose each material to a heat source and record any changes in
temperature.

3. Students will discuss and analyze the changes in temperature for each material.
Rubric:

- Accurate measurement of initial temperatures (5 points)

- Recording and comparison of temperature changes (5 points)

- Thoughtful analysis of the effects of heat on different materials (5 points)

Assessment questions:

1. Which material showed the greatest increase in temperature when exposed to

heat? Why do you think this occurred?

2. Explain why it is important to consider the effects of heat on different materials in

various applications.

Activity 6: Investigating the Effects of Weathering on Materials

Materials: Samples of different materials (e.g., rock, wood, fabric), water,

sandpaper, UV lamp

Instructions:

1. Students will select three different materials and expose them to different
weathering conditions.

2. They will immerse one material in water, rub another material with sandpaper, and
expose the third material to UV light from a lamp.

3. Students will observe and record any changes in the appearance or properties of
the materials.

Rubric:

- Accurate selection and exposure of materials to weathering conditions (5 points)

- Detailed observation and recording of changes (5 points)

- Analysis of the effects of weathering on different materials (5 points)

Assessment questions:

1. What changes did you observe in the material immersed in water? How does
water affect this material?

2. Discuss the importance of understanding the effects of weathering on different

materials in the construction industry.

Note: These activities are designed to engage students in hands-on

investigations and critical thinking about the changes in materials and their
impact on the environment. The rubrics provide clear criteria for assessing
students' understanding and participation in each activity.

Explain:

1. Conduct a demonstration to show the changes in materials when exposed to

different conditions.

2. Use visual aids, such as diagrams or charts, to explain the concept of useful and
harmful materials.

3. Engage students in a class discussion to deepen their understanding of the

changes in materials and their effects on the environment.

Elaborate:

1. Conduct a role-playing activity where students act as environmental advocates,

presenting their findings on the impact of materials on the environment.

2. Organize a mini-exhibition where students create posters or models showcasing

the changes in materials and their effects on the environment.

Evaluate:

1. Assign a project where students research and create a multimedia presentation on

a specific material and its impact on the environment.

2. Use a written test to assess students' understanding of the changes in materials

and their effects on the environment.

Assignment:

Write a reflection paper on how you can personally contribute to protecting the
environment by using materials responsibly and avoiding harmful ones. Include
specific examples and suggestions.